Darlington Lake in Mahwah offers a massive inflatable obstacle course called the Splash Zone. Photo: AEROJO Drone Productions
Take a look at a map of New Jersey, and it’s hard to miss the countless specks of blue dotting every corner of the state. From High Point to Cape May, reservoirs and lakes both public and private are waiting to be enjoyed.
Darlington Lake
Mahwah
Nestled in the northwest corner of Bergen County, Darlington County Park, with its lake, is a prime summer spot. The lake’s main attraction is the inflatable Splash Zone obstacle course—there’s one option for kids between 39 and 48 inches tall, and one for visitors who are 48 inches tall and up. For a quieter time at the lake, there are swimming areas, too. Other activities in the county park include catch-and-release fishing, picnicking, trails and basketball.
Tomahawk Lake
Sparta
Soon to celebrate 75 years, Tomahawk Lake’s water park features a handful of slides and rides, plus a selection of rowboats, paddleboats and bumper boats, volleyball, a miniature golf course and more. Adults can enjoy a beer garden while kids can choose from multiple snack bars.
Lake Hopatcong
Sussex and Morris counties
Photo: AEROJO Drone Productions
The lake stretches roughly 4 square miles and is shared by Sussex and Morris counties, holding the title of New Jersey’s largest body of fresh water. Its popularity among visitors has been 150 years in the making. On the water, visitors can take their choice of boat, kayak or hydrobike and hit the open water to their heart’s desire. Tours take guests to see Halsey Island, Great Cove and more of the lake’s most notable landmarks. Or families can just spend a day along the lake shore swimming, cooking on the provided grills, and picnicking.
Sunrise Lake Beach Club
Morris Township
Just a ten-minute drive from downtown Morristown, this lake within pretty Lewis Morris County Park offers a small beach, swimming, an inflatable obstacle course (ages 7 and up; passing a swim test is required), paddleboat rentals and a snack bar. Day and seasonal passes are on offer, as are camps and “munchkin Mondays” from 9-11:30 am. —Julie Gordon
Round Valley Reservoir
Lebanon
Lebanon’s 2,350-acre, 180-foot-deep reservoir is one of Hunterdon County’s crown jewels. This largest reservoir in the Garden State is a serene spot which offers swimming with lifeguard supervision, boating, fishing and wilderness camping—the only New Jersey state park to do so (permit required).
Turkey Swamp Park
Freehold
This 17-acre lake in the Pine Barrens offers rentable kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddleboats. Visitors can also fish along the shore for bass, catfish and bluegills or take a fishing rod out on a boat. The park offers hiking trails, camping, an archery range and multiple playgrounds. —Jessica Hammer
Deal Lake
Monmouth County
Though it’s a stone throw away from the ocean, Monmouth County’s largest lake has given Shore residents in the area a taste of lake life since it was created from an estuary in 1890. Deal Lake features different channels and ponds that wind through the surrounding towns. Fish for bass and carp, rent a kayak from Deal Lake Dock Co., or coast around the 27 miles of shoreline on a motorboat—just be wary of shallow waters and no-wake zones!
Union Lake
Cumberland County
South Jersey’s biggest lake is an outdoors lover’s dream, offering a vast area perfect for boating, fishing, birding and more. Watch for bald eagles and ospreys before hitting the water yourself. Public boat ramps are available, and everything from kayaks to motorboats up to 10 horsepower are permitted.
